LEDs get quantum dot color adjustment for warm softness

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While LEDs are an extremely efficient way of generating light, the difficulties in generating extremely warm and inviting colors are often not technically possible given the materials and mass production manufacturing requirements. As such, designers are turning to an innovative solution to adjust the color of these high beamers.

The Quantum Light is a product being demonstrated by Nexxus Lighting and QD Vision, two companies at this week’s Light Fair trade show in New York. The light’s natural color is augmented by the introduction of a quantum dot layer, which precisely adjust its final color.

The result is a white LED that can give off a more inviting color spectrum than even “warm” or “soft” fluorescent bulbs. The ultimate goal is to produce a light temperature that is as inviting as most would agree incandescent bulbs are, with their more natural sunlight or daylight color spectrum.

While the two companies are showing off real products this week, it is likely that in the years to come many more similar advancements will come allowing for LEDs to become the de facto standard replacement bulb for every type of lighting system in the home, and for a fraction of the power.

At Amazon.com today, a typical 60 watt equivalent replacement LED lightbulb that uses 5 watts, sells for $29.95. At The LED Light website, a 250 watt flood-light equivalent replacement LED light fixture and lightbulb array that uses 18 watts from 12 volt batteries (1.5 amps), sells for a mere $577. Yes, still a long way to go — though these light bulbs report a 45,000+ hour MTBF rating.

Rick’s Opinion
LEDs are getting extremely bright, while remaining far more energy efficient than most other forms. However, they still have a long way to go before they’re ready for mass consumption by general consumers.

It was believed earlier this decade, that OLEDs (Organic LEDs) would quickly takeover the display industries. However, here we are nearly a decade later with backlights and LCD/TFT’s, just like at that time — though OLEDs have made a definite impact in several small-screen applications.

Perhaps in the future we’ll see OLED-powered lights which are even more efficient, with an even more natural color.

Speak Your Mind

OLED lighting are advancing quickly. In fact it is now possible to buy OLED light panels from Philips on line.
OLED lights will be thin, efficient, color-tunable, flexible and even transparent. but it’ll take a few years to become mainstream yet…
Ron

hodar

45,000 hrs is about 10+ years of 12 hours a day useage.

One of my favorite programs, “Mythbusters”, ran a show where they tested life expectancy and power usage with numerous on/off cycles. They made a box so the test wouldn’t drive them nuts, and installed incadescent, florescent and LED lights. Each light was monitored for power usage, and set to turn ‘on’ for 1 second, then ‘off’ for 1 second. Then the box was stashed away in the warehouse to cycle. After about a month, the box was opened and the ONLY bulb technology still working was the LED – which shouldnt be too surprising.

Our local Costco has LED lights in the 65 Watt category for ~$15. I’m sure the new soft and warm color light technology will come way down in price soon.